Tag Archives: danielle nacu death

Ottawa Cycling Accident

Tragically, 33-year-old Danielle Naçu was killed this morning when she was hit by an opening car door as she biked west on Queen Street. The Ottawa cyclist, Danielle Nacu then fell onto the street and was run over by a passing vehicle. The Ottawa bicycle accident occurred at 8:56 a.m. between Metcalfe and O’Connor streets, close to 131 Queen St. Danielle Nacu was rushed to The Ottawa Hospital’s Civic campus trauma unit in critical condition with severe head and internal trauma. Although she had been wearing a helmet, she sadly did not survive. Crushed pieces of her bicycle helmet remained at the Ottawa bicycle accident scene under the car, along with her bag and some other possessions as Ottawa police investigated the Ottawa bicycle accident scene. Several people on the street and in nearby cars rushed to help Danielle immediately after the crash. Several nearby pedestrians tried to physically lift the car off the woman and she lay trapped underneath, still breathing but not moving. Many others rushed around calling for help from anyone who may be trained in a medical field. One driver explained he was a medic and began to help the woman by covering her up by a blanket to keep her warm.

Reports also indicated that the woman who was driving the car sat on a nearby curb, crying and screaming until Ottawa police led her away for interviews. Her male passenger in the car had dialed 911 after the Ottawa bicycle accident.

According to Ottawa paramedics Danielle Nacu had no vital signs when they arrived at the Ottawa bicycle accident scene at 8:59 a.m., and that bystanders had been aiding the victim. They immediately began treating the accident victim for life-support. A tube and a needle were inserted and probed into one of her collapsed lungs to fill her lungs. Ottawa Firefighters also helped Ottawa paramedics. Tragically, Danielle was pronounced dead when the ambulance reached the Ottawa hospital.

Danielle Nacu’s friends have set up a Facebook site in the Ottawa cyclist’s honour and condolences are flowing in. A memorial has been erected on Queen Street where she died. Tuesday night, Ottawa residents chained a bike, shrouded in white spray-paint, to a signpost near the Ottawa bicycle accident scene. Ottawa residents also dropped off flowers. Ghost bikes, as they’re known, have appeared in cities around the world where cyclists have died on roads. The goal is to remind cyclists about the dangers of cycling in traffic and to remind drivers of cyclists’ rights on the road.

According to statistics compiled by Ottawa police on Thursday, 19 drivers have been charged with dooring so far this year. Twenty-five were charged in 2010, 19 in 2009 and 21 in 2008.

Danielle’s father Tom lies in Brampton Ontario. He told the Ottawa Citizen that he was preparing to leave for Ottawa, to visit Danielle , as she had recently bought a condo and worked as a senior program adviser for Citizenship and Immigration Canada. He also told the Ottawa Citizen that “Danielle was a global citizen,” Tom said, taking a pause before continuing. “She was an immigration officer. She just came back from six weeks in Paris on an assignment. She’s travelled quite a bit, all over the world. She loved to travel. She was a very organized young lady, and we’re very proud of her. “She would have finished her second bachelor’s degree in April, and then she was going to take her masters.”“It’s a total shock. It’s indescribable,” he said. Danielle also had a brother, 35-year-old Brent and her mother, Lynn Kelly.

Ottawa police have indicated that it is too early to say whether any charges will be laid in the case, or to release further details.

On Facebook Tuesday, a memorial bicycle ride was being organized for next Tuesday to mark the Danielle Naçu’s death. The ride will start at 9 a.m. at the intersection of Queen Street and Bronson Avenue, and head slowly east along Queen to the bicycle accident scene at the corner of Metcalfe Street.

This was a terrible Ottawa bicycle accident and my thoughts and sympathy go out to the family and friends of this woman.. What a tragic loss…

Not all accidents can be avoided but please be extra cautious out there on our Ottawa roads; both as drivers and cyclists. Double and triple checking could save lives..

It said in her obituary “Danielle was both an inspiration and an energy so rare to find in this life — ever so precious to lose,” “Danielle travelled the world, personally and professionally, basking in the experiences of new cultures and the opportunity of representing the Canadian government and our nation. Hard-working, dedicated, driven and supremely kind, our little sunshine also volunteered at local missions, attended the University of Ottawa, and was nearing completion of her second degree while working full-time with Citizenship and Immigration Canada. She was fiercely passionate about the environment and rallied her community to take action in making a difference.”

“Our nation has lost one of tomorrow’s leaders, our community has lost one of its great residents, our co-workers have lost a great friend, our friends have lost an inspiring force and our family has lost a great light. Danielle’s smile, compassion and genuine kindness are her legacy and will forever be the sunshine in our hearts and minds.”

The family has asked that condolences be made on the Facebook group “In Memory of Danielle Nacu” or the Kelly Funeral Home website.